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The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) has strongly condemned the recent display of armed extremism in Rawalakot, Pakistani Occupied Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, where so-called jihadist groups rallied under the protection of the Pakistani state.
This event, marked by the public display of automatic weapons and extremist rhetoric, underscores the deep-rooted issue of state-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, the exiled chairman of UKPNP, alongside Central Spokesperson Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan and Jamil Maqsood, President of the Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a joint statement condemning this blatant violation of international laws and human rights.
The leaders have called upon the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to demand explanations from Pakistan regarding its continued support for militant groups that have been internationally designated as terrorist organizations.
The Reality of State-Sponsored Terrorism
The presence and public activities of banned militant outfits in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir raise serious concerns regarding the Pakistani government’s commitment to counterterrorism. The National Action Plan (NAP), introduced in 2014 to combat terrorism, appears to be nothing more than a political tool rather than a genuine counter-extremism policy.
Despite repeated assurances to the international community, Pakistan has failed to dismantle these groups, which continue to operate openly, spreading radical ideologies and destabilizing the region.
The recent rally in Rawalakot was not an isolated incident. It was a carefully orchestrated event under the watchful eye of state authorities, designed to intimidate progressive voices advocating for peace and democracy. Armed militants paraded through the streets, violating both local and international laws while law enforcement agencies remained passive spectators.
Legal and International Obligations
Pakistan, as a signatory to multiple international conventions on counterterrorism, has a legal obligation to prevent the activities of banned organizations within its territory. The UN Security Council’s Resolution 1373 (2001) mandates all member states to prevent and suppress the financing, support, and activities of terrorist organizations. However, Pakistan’s repeated failure to implement these obligations demonstrates a clear contradiction between its commitments and its actions.
Similarly, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has repeatedly placed Pakistan on its “grey list” due to its failure to curb terror financing. The UKPNP urges FATF to conduct an immediate review of Pakistan’s compliance with international counterterrorism measures, particularly regarding the resurgence of banned groups in Rawalakot and other areas.
The National Action Plan: A Mere Paper Tiger
The National Action Plan (NAP) was introduced to eliminate terrorism, but its failure is evident in the continued activities of extremist groups. Despite its 20-point agenda, the Pakistani government has selectively targeted political dissenters and human rights activists instead of focusing on eliminating terror networks. The Rawalakot rally is a glaring example of the state’s unwillingness to act against groups that serve its strategic interests.
Key questions remain unanswered:
•Why are extremist groups openly displaying automatic weapons despite the existence of anti-terror laws?
•Where is the enforcement of Pakistan’s National Action Plan?
•How do these organizations continue to receive financial and logistical support?
Call for International Intervention
Given Pakistan’s blatant disregard for international counterterrorism protocols, UKPNP calls upon the global community to take immediate action:
1. FATF Review: Conduct an urgent review of Pakistan’s failure to prevent terrorist financing and impose strict economic sanctions if non-compliance continues.
2. UN Security Council Investigation: Mandate an independent investigation into state-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
3.Human Rights Monitoring: Urge international human rights organizations to document and report the activities of extremist groups operating under state protection.
4.Diplomatic Pressures: Encourage democratic nations to impose targeted sanctions on Pakistani officials who support or facilitate extremist activities.
The recent extremist rally in Rawalakot is not just a local issue; it is a global concern. The resurgence of militant groups under state patronage threatens regional stability and international security. The UKPNP stands firm in its commitment to exposing state-sponsored extremism and urges the international community to take decisive action against Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism.
It is time for the world to hold Pakistan accountable for its double standards on terrorism. Silence and inaction will only embolden extremist elements, further endangering the fragile peace in the region. The global community must act now before it is too late.
